Archives for January 11, 2012

‘The Sabres lost Thomas Vanek to an upper-body injury, food poisoning or the flu, with the team’s top goal scorer able to play just the opening 20 minutes. The Sabres have struggled to find the net with the dependable sniper in the lineup. They had little chance without him.’

‘Check the standings, and Buffalo is suddenly eight points behind Toronto and staring down the barrel of a 10-point deficit to the Leafs heading into the rematch Friday night in First Niagara Center. The past few weeks have been hideous enough, but now it’s starting to get uglier by the game — Ugly Betty ugly and approaching Joan Rivers-ugly.’

‘Stafford failed to convert one of the Sabres’ best scoring chances of the night early in the first period and his delay of game penalty a couple of minutes later led to the only goal the Toronto Maple Leafs would need in their 2-0 victory.’

‘“Brayden’s got a lot of what Tallinder had when they played together, more of a stay-at-home, good defender, got some offense on the other side of it,” Ruff said. “As well as Brayden has been going, I just felt that when we put (Robyn) Regehr and (Jordan) Leopold together, a veteran pair, we’ve got a younger pair that can get some offense for us.”’

‘Ruff must also be worried about his team’s playoff chances. Last season, the Sabres had an identical 18-19-5 record after game No. 42 and then with new owner Terry Pegula aboard they went on a terrific 25-10-5 run to make the post-season. But there are no signs that the Sabres are about to turn it around like they did last year.’

‘Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller has enjoyed a tremendous amount of his success against the Leafs during his career, but has struggled against them the past two seasons. Fans at the Air Canada Centre derisively chanted “Miller! Miller!” as he fell to 1-5 against Toronto in his last six starts.’

‘”Right now it feels different. I’ve seen stretches. This might be my toughest stretch as a coach where pucks won’t go in the net,” said Ruff after Buffalo’s 2-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre on Tuesday night. The Sabres have just two wins in their last 11 games.’